Athens, Ga. – On Monday, Dec. 1, the University of Georgia Health Center will be organizing several events to commemorate World AIDS Day.
Student volunteers and staff from the UHC health promotion department will be on the Tate Student Center plaza from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. with information about HIV/AIDS prevention, free condoms and red ribbons.
There will be a World AIDS Day Service of Light and Reflection at the Presbyterian Student Center at 1250 S. Lumpkin Street in Athens at 7 p.m.
Sorority and fraternity houses have been encouraged to display large red ribbons, the symbol of AIDS awareness.
There will be a limited number of free rapid HIV tests offered to students at the health center. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 706/542-8690.
Currently over 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. World AIDS Day remembers the many people who have died fighting the disease. This is the 20th anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring the first observed World AIDS Day. Since then, December 1 has been recognized by people all around the world. The red ribbon has been known as the symbol for support of this day.
One quarter of those who are HIV positive are not aware they have the virus. Getting and HIV test will help slow down the transmission. The University Health Center offers anonymous HIV counseling and testing throughout the year.
Additional information about World AIDS Day or information about HIV/AIDS can be found on the University Health Center website at www.uhs.uga.edu.
